Chapter 16 - Chapter 16: WORLD'S WILL: LUMI 1.0

Aether's breath caught in his throat. A voice, unseen, resonated within his mind, echoing his very thoughts. Was this the world's will itself, awakened within him? A tremor, both fear and awe, ran through him. This unexpected connection sent shivers down his spine, cloaking him in a chilling mystery.He steeled himself, a nervous tremor evident in his voice. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice echoing in the vast emptiness within. "What is your purpose?"A reply, both soothing and unsettling, resonated in his mind. "[I am a fragment of the world's will, an apostle appointed by... unavailable data, to guide you. Call me Lumi.]"Aether frowned. He persisted, the missing information a gaping hole in Lumi's explanation. Who or what was this "unavailable data" that held such power? Why him, specifically?As if sensing his doubt, Lumi spoke again. "[You have not yet unlocked the secrets of the world's will.]" It spoke with an unsettling familiarity, like it understood Aether on a deeper level than anyone ever had."And how do I unlock them?" Aether pressed, fueled by a mixture of frustration and disbelief. He had never considered the existence of a greater will, yet here he was, tethered to a fragment of it.Lumi's response offered little clarity. "[You must challenge the world's domain to acquire Chronoliths shards. These fragments hold the key to forbidden knowledge.]"Aether's heart pounded in his chest. This was no easy path. It was a test, a trial by the world itself. A knot of apprehension tightened in his stomach, but alongside it, a spark of exhilaration flared. This wasn't just a journey; it was an adventure, a chance to prove himself worthy.He then posed the question that had gnawed at him since Lumi's first appearance. "If your purpose is to guide me," he asked, his voice firm despite the tremor within, "does that mean you can help me grow stronger?"A pause. Then, the familiar voice echoed in his mind. "[Yes, that is the sole purpose of my appointment as your apostle.]"Aether pressed on, his focus sharpening. He needed a clear answer. "Lumi," he inquired, his voice laced with nervous hope, "if I become stronger... can I cure mana glut?" This was the burden that weighed heavily on him, the key to his mother's well-being.Lumi's response offered a glimmer of light. "[With increased strength, you will unlock advanced healing and recovery magic.]" The answer confirmed his suspicions – strength was the key. Relief washed over Aether. With enough power, he could heal his mother.But then, Lumi presented another option. "[There is another method, a way to directly address the affected's condition, without needing immense strength.]"Aether's heart leaped. A solution, readily available? A wellspring of hope bubbled within him. The path to recovery seemed clearer than ever before. The burden on his shoulders lightened, replaced by a burning determination. He wasn't alone. He had Lumi, a guide, and a way to heal his mother right now. The unknown, once terrifying, was replaced by a focused purpose.He would master his newfound power, unravel the mysteries Lumi presented, and ultimately, heal his mother and become stronger to protect her. Nothing would stand in his way. The journey ahead was shrouded in mystery, but with each step, with each challenge overcome, the hope for a brighter future grew stronger."How?" Aether demanded, his voice brimming with excitement.Lumi explained the process. "[To heal mana glut, one must purge the excess mana and drain the affected's vessels, essentially restarting their mana output. However, this is typically impossible.]"Aether's hope flickered. Impossible? But then Lumi offered a solution specific to him. "[In your case, you can achieve this by mastering mana control and slowly consuming a small portion of the affected excess mana until it's depleted. This will, in turn, strengthen your own mana vessels.]"This was a double win for Aether. Not only could he heal his mother, but he could also strengthen his own mana reserves. However, a nagging concern persisted. His mother had always taught him that exceeding one's mana pool was fatal. Weren't they doing the same thing here?Lumi seemed to anticipate his question. "[While reaching a breaking point is a risk with a typical mana pool, this doesn't apply to you. Your Anatomy is different.]" The entity left it at that, offering no further explanation.Despite the lingering mystery, Aether felt a surge of determination. He had a way to heal his mother, and a side benefit for himself. He would unravel the secrets of his unique system later. Right now, his focus was singular – to master control and rid his mother of this debilitating condition.